Physical Therapist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physical Therapist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physical Therapists in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$73,000 vs $84,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$70,874 vs $67,742
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$63,850 vs $62,594
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $73,000 | $84,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,210 | $64,680▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,440 | $107,520▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,800 | $134,400▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,874▲ | $67,742 | +$3,132 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,766 | $77,616▲ | -$11,850 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $63,850▲ | $62,594 | +$1,256 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 57,000 | -19,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $11,000 more (median: $73,000 vs $84,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($70,874 vs $67,742 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.